Best Retirement Communities in Florida for High-Net-Worth Individuals
State-Specific Retirement | by Jules Buxbaum | Sunday, February 16, 2025
Best Retirement Communities in Florida for High-Net-Worth Individuals is a topic on many affluent retirees’ minds nowadays. Florida’s popularity among older adults continues to soar, thanks to its lack of state income tax and active lifestyle opportunities. In fact, the state was recently ranked a top choice for retirees in 2025, primarily for its tax-friendly perks (tax-friendly states for retirement), warm climate, and endless recreation options.
For seniors who have substantial assets, finding a luxury community with upscale amenities and personalized services is key. This article explores unique features of Florida’s high-end retirement communities, highlights five top communities to consider, and discusses how to pick a setting that aligns with both lifestyle and financial goals. If you’re a high-net-worth retiree hoping to create a fulfilling next chapter, read on.
The Appeal of Florida’s Luxury Communities
For retirees with considerable wealth, relocating to Florida offers more than sunshine. Palm Bay saw a 150% surge in households earning over $200,000 annually in a single year, suggesting that affluent newcomers are drawn to this market. Boca Raton, Naples, and Coral Springs are similarly seeing rapid growth among upscale residents.
These newcomers are often attracted by private golf courses, waterfront living, and high-end services like concierge assistance and on-site spas. The state’s tax approach also helps protect retirement income from extra bites. Many of these communities cater to specific interests, offering tennis, fine dining, and even specialized mental fitness programs.
Key Amenities that Attract High-Net-Worth Retirees
Exclusive communities often offer an impressive list of amenities that go well beyond standard senior living features. Gated security is common, giving residents a sense of privacy. Modern dining halls frequently bring in professional chefs who craft gourmet menus, emphasizing local and organic ingredients.
Many communities invest in wellness centers complete with physical therapy, aquatic exercises, and personal trainers. Sparkling pools, org-anized cultural events, and continuing education programs add depth to residents’ daily routines. Golf cart paths, manicured grounds, and well-equipped art studios also appeal to hobbies that retirees might wish to explore during this new stage of life.
Luxury doesn’t stop with social events. Healthcare partnerships let communities offer on-site clinics or around-the-clock nursing. This reduces the likelihood of traveling long distances for everyday medical care and fosters peace of mind. Flexible contracts and medical units that handle memory care or assisted living mean residents can remain in the same location as their health needs shift.
Top 5 Retirement Communities for Affluent Seniors
Below are five Florida communities known for their high-end appeal. Each has different strengths, so think about which aligns with your hobby interests, healthcare requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
Moorings Park (Naples)
Moorings Park in Naples was recognized nationally for its sophisticated approach to continuing care. According to public rankings, it placed #4 among America’s best retirement communities in 2025. The campus features upscale residences, fine dining, and a robust wellness program.
One standout advantage is access to golf clubs, oceanfront activities, and philanthropic events. Compared to The Villages, Moorings Park offers a more intimate vibe, making it ideal for those seeking exclusivity and refined services.
The Villages (Central Florida)
Known for its massive scale, The Villages caters to varying budgets but also includes high-end neighborhoods with custom-built homes. This community excels in social engagement, boasting shopping squares, restaurants, and thousands of clubs.
While Moorings Park may offer a smaller, more personalized community, The Villages appeals to retirees wanting an active social calendar. Golf enthusiasts can explore numerous courses, while everyone can enjoy the nightly live music events around the town squares.
John Knox Village (Pompano Beach)
John Knox Village delivers easy access to the Atlantic coastline and well-appointed homes. Here, residents often discuss the convenience of on-campus healthcare, fitness centers, and gourmet dining.
Its biggest difference compared to The Villages is scale. John Knox Village is smaller yet still provides a wide variety of clubs and special programs. If you prefer a manageable campus with resort-like benefits, it’s a robust choice.
Boca West Country Club (Boca Raton)
Revered for world-class golf, Boca West has more than just top-tier courses. This private community includes high-quality tennis, a spa, and a variety of dining venues. Many residents appreciate the high-security measures and private club memberships.
Its offerings compare well against Moorings Park if you crave an active sports scene. Boca West tends to attract retirees seeking an upscale social environment with plenty of opportunities for fitness and fine dining.
Lakewood Ranch (Sarasota Area)
Located near Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch is a master-planned area with luxury neighborhoods catering to retired adults. The beauty of its manicured golf courses and lakeside living stands out.
Those who enjoy cultural events and beaches will enjoy Lakewood Ranch’s proximity to Sarasota’s arts scene and coastline. If you want a blend of community life and nearby city entertainment, this locale offers a balanced option.
Personalizing Your Risk and Retirement Strategy
Finding the right location is only one part of retirement readiness. Wealthier retirees also evaluate how much portfolio risk to take when preserving assets. Some worry they might be too “safe” with investments, overlooking the long-term benefits of equities.
2Pi Financial advocates a strategy where future earnings potential—and not just age—guides risk decisions. Younger retirees who can still earn income might carry more stocks, while older individuals with vast capital might prefer conservative allocations. That said, there’s no single formula. If you want insight on how adjusting your retirement age or savings rate affects your future, consider exploring Two Pi’s Financial Planning Engine. It projects the probability of success and suggests ways to expand the lifespan of your wealth without sacrificing comfort.
Another viewpoint is that “glide paths” based too heavily on age can hinder optimal returns. The notion that holdings should shift toward bonds after a certain birthday often neglects a person’s actual wealth ratio and future income streams. Savvy retirees think about both personal risk tolerance and the historical tendency for equities to outpace inflation over the long haul.
Additional Factors to Consider
Though amenities differ among luxury communities, it’s smart to look deeper than dining halls and fitness classes. Check if maintenance fees may rise significantly—some Florida counties have seen association fees climb by 59% in a few years.
Taxes are another concern. While Florida does not tax income, property levies can vary, especially in popular coastal areas. For more on how these rules stack up to other states, you might find value in learning about differences in state taxes. This helps you clarify whether Florida truly fits your financial roadmap.
Finally, examine resale and contract structures. Some retirement communities offer partially refundable entrance fees, while others let you own your unit. If an exit strategy is important, you’ll want an arrangement that aligns with your estate-planning goals.
Common Questions About Florida’s Luxury Retirement Scene
1. Is there a minimum asset requirement?
Certain high-end facilities set financial thresholds to confirm prospective residents can handle ongoing fees. These might include liquid asset minimums or net worth evaluations.
2. How much do some of these top communities cost?
Entrance fees often start around $300,000 and can exceed $2 million, depending on amenities and home size. Monthly fees range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more, often covering dining, property upkeep, and some healthcare services.
3. Are Florida’s property taxes high?
Florida’s property taxes vary by county, but on average, they tend to be more moderate than in states like New York. If you want a closer look at the interplay of taxes and homeownership, this guide on property taxes might offer clarity.
4. Do these communities offer assisted living or memory care?
Most luxury communities provide different stages of care so residents don’t need to relocate when health conditions change. This “continuum of care” can include independent living, assisted living, and short-term rehab.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the right Florida retirement community as a high-net-worth individual involves weighing personalized services, on-site healthcare, and future earning potential against lifestyle expectations. Whether you crave an intimate coastal residence or a sprawling neighborhood with daily social events, Florida likely has a perfect match.
If medical access is top of mind, consider reading about healthcare cost differences across major retirement states. The more you know, the more confident you can feel about selecting a community that aligns with your wealth and personal goals.
References
1. Moorings Park. (2025). “Ranked Among the Top Continuing Care Communities.” Available at: https://www.mooringspark.org
2. SmartAsset. (2025). “High-Income Household Growth in Florida.” Available at: https://smartasset.com/data-studies/high-income-household-growth-2025
3. MoneyWise. (2024). “Why Florida Seniors Are Embracing Upscale Communities.” Available at: https://moneywise.com
